AUGUST 2020
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
Kids + Pets
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provide the opportunity to answer any questions you might have.
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STAY FRESH ALL SUMMER At Heartis Fayetteville Senior Living
Schedule your tour today 936 W Lanier Ave, Fayetteville, GA 30214 770-461-2555
Independent Living Assisted Living | Memory Care
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER
Jennifer Conforti | jennifer.conforti@lifestylepubs.com PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Byron Pugh | byron.pugh@lifestylepubs.com
Kids + Pets = Happy Home I'M SURE YOU'VE HEARD THE STATS ABOUT HOW HAVING A PET IN YOUR HOME CAN ADD JOY AND EVEN YEARS TO YOUR LIFE. In 2011, a study that included a vast survey found that dog owners were happier, healthier and better
AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER
Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
adjusted in life than those without dogs. This is largely assumed to be because dogs
Jennifer Conforti, Susan Walworth, Jackie Boeheim, Annie Singh-Quern, Pauli Reep, Pam Reid
help satisfy a social need, which in turn increases a sense of belonging, self-esteem
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
and feelings of worth. I have never lived in a community that loves their dogs (and
Debbie McFarland
other pets, furry or not) as much as Fayette County! Our dog, Lexi, a Boxer/Pit mix, is no exception to being loved and I will stand by my statement that she is the most wonderful dog I have ever known. Our daughter, Abby, has severe Autism and is not an easy child for even her father and me to understand. But, Lexi? I don't know how she knows, but she knows that her sister is an exceptional child. Lexi has the calmest manners when around Abby. Abby can have meltdowns frequently and this dog does nothing. She sits quietly waiting for the storm to pass. When it does, she is right next to her sister at any given moment. Lexi has been bitten, stepped on, had her lips pulled over her face,
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
fallen on and more, and do you know what she does? Nothing. Well, except run for
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
cover. Never. Not once has she shown the slightest bit of aggression toward Abby.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
When we go for walks, Lexi stands in between Abby and anyone else that might
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
approach as if to say, "I don't know you. I'm just going to stand right here in case
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
you try something bad." I'm telling you, we do not deserve this dog. Does anyone
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
deserve dogs? Lexi has me thinking, "no". In our home, our kid + our pet truly does help to = a happy home. Blessings to you and your furry (or not) family members,
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA
Jennifer Conforti, Publisher
SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ON THE COVER Raegan Ross holds one of her family’s hens.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBBIE MCFARLAND 4
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
Proverbs 3:5-6 Fayette County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fayette County areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fayette County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
Content Sponsored by Cronic Automotive Group
with
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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020
FEATURES 18 Branching Out With STEM Local girls look toward a future in science
20 Room Designs for Kids Give kids a space where they can learn and grow
24 The Sweet Life of Pets Featuring fur and feathers at the Ross Family homestead
18 20
28 Southern Homestyle Tomato Gravy This delicious Southern staple is a must for your recipe file
28 DEPARTMENTS
24
4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Giving Back
16
Locals Only
18
Local Limelight
20 Renovate & Refine 24 Animal Kingdom 28 Culinary Creations 30 Healthy Lifestyle 32 Locally Owned 34 Parting Thoughts
Elegant. Stately. Home. This Four-Sided brick beauty is coming soon! Starrs Mill Schools
Gated Community
Call me today for more information! Tonya Jones Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Georgia Properties O:770-719-9400 C: 678-207-6214 SellingSouthAtlanta.com
320 West Lanier Avenue, Suite 110 | Fayetteville, Georgia 30214
GOOD TIMES
Rotary Club of Fayetteville Ice Cream Social at Heartis The Rotary Club of Fayetteville sponsored the first, annual "FroYo Social" for residents at Heartis Fayetteville in June. This was a socially distanced, outdoor event where residents received free cups of frozen yogurt, provided by TCBY of Peachtree City in a vintage pick up truck. One senior remarked, "Come back often!" A cool treat on a hot day. Fun!
PEACHTREE CITY
USE OUR NEW
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PICK UP SPOT
will be waiting , call-in order 5-9900. Your prepaid us at 770-51 for you! Call
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Take-out, curbside, call-in or online ordering and delivery with UberEats and Storks available for your convenience.
Everything needed to make Your Pie pizzas at home!
Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza
Greek Salad
The Lineage Pizza with local craft beer
We have re-opened with limited seating and continue to practice state health and safety requirements for our guests’ and employees’ safety in response to COVID-19. Come enjoy an authentically awesome neapolitan style brick oven pizza, served fresh and hot and pair it with a local craft beer on tap (+21 years). Follow our happenings and offerings at
8
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
www.Facebook.com/ypptc/
PEACHTREE CITY
2015 W. HWY 54 PEACHTREE CITY, GA 30269
770-515-9900
AROUND TOWN
VIRTUAL CASA VOLUNTEER TRAINING, AUGUST 13TH
due to the coronavirus on Saturday, August 15th, 2020 at 6 pm. The silent auction will go live on
The Advo-Kids CASA mission is to provide
Saturday, August 8th, 2020 at 4 pm and run for
screened, trained and supervised community vol-
an entire week before the start of the event. All
unteers to advocate for the best interests of abused
proceeds will go towards expanding our environ-
and neglected children involved in juvenile court
mental education programming and providing
dependency proceedings. Many volunteers have
access to nature. Learn more about the Southern
joined Advo-Kids CASA over the years and con-
Conservation Trust at www.sctlandtrust.org.
tinue to work with dedication and determination in
Facebook Live: Saturday, August 15th, 2020 @ 6 pm
making a difference in the lives of children. If you are interested in the virtual training please go to www.advo-kidscasa.org or call 770-228-4714 for more information.
CORRECTION In our July, issue we failed to credit the photograph of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in "The
VIRTUAL CONSERVING GEORGIA BENEFIT & AUCTION Join the Southern Conservation Trust for the 2nd Annual Conserving Georgia Benefit held virtually
10
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
Case for Cooler Waters" story to Dana Scott / DMS Creative Solutions. We apologize for this error and thank Dana for her contribution. Here it is again for your enjoyment!
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CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
11
GIVING BACK
casas change a child’s story
Family reunification is the goal
ARTICLE CHRIS BOEHM, DVM | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
12
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
THE STORMS OF THE COVID-19 PAN-
neglected children involved in juvenile court
DEMIC, THE RAVAGE OF THE OPIOID
dependency proceedings.
EPIDEMIC,
RACIAL/SOCIAL
DEVASTATING
STRIFE,
ECONOMIES AND
The
Griffin
Court
Judges,
Georgia
A
Department of Family and Children Services
NATIONAL RECESSION ARE IMPOSING
personnel and Advocate-Kids CASAs team
EXTREME DURESS TO MANY FAMI-
together to reunite these children with their
LIES. The children in these families are too
families of origin, or work diligently to find a
often victims of abuse or neglect, and end up
permanent home. The work is demanding but
in the state’s custody. These unprecedented
emotionally and spiritually fulfilling. The joy
times have pushed child welfare systems
of a child’s smile and the intensity of a child’s
into crisis and have created an unprece-
desperate hug gives a CASA his purpose. Each
dented need for intervention.
CASA volunteer is appointed by the judge to
In 2019, over 437,000 children nationally,
advocate in the best interest of the children.
21,000 children in Georgia and 224 children
Court Judges are more likely to assign CASA
in the Griffin Judicial Court (Fayette, Upson,
Volunteers to their most complex, serious
Spaulding, Pike Counties) suffer abuse or
cases that have a higher risk of poor outcomes.
neglect and are directed into the Department
Court Judges depend on CASA Volunteers for
of Family and Child Services’ custody. These
crucial information to help them make the most
foster children are victims through no fault of
informed decisions about the case. They collab-
their own and need representation.
orate with others to make sure that necessary
That
representation
is
the
Court
Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
services are provided and are in the child's best interest. CASA volunteers are trained to
These willing adults undergo screening,
understand trauma in children and advocate for
training and certification and act as Agents of
services that strengthen parents' relationships
the Court representing children in the State
with their children; services that promote heal-
of Georgia’s Juvenile Court dependency pro-
ing and help children develop resilience.
ceedings. Advo-Kids CASA is the local chap-
CASA volunteers encourage services
ter of Georgia CASA that brings a sense of
that strengthen parent's relationships with
urgency to the children’s plight by amplifying
their children. “To give a child a CASA vol-
the voices of neglected and abused children.
unteer is to give them a voice. To give them
Established in 2006, Advo-Kids CASA serves
a voice is to give them hope, and to give
approximately 250 children in the Griffin
them hope is to give the world “, a former
Judicial Court serving Fayette, Spaulding,
foster child stated.
Upson and Pike counties. Advo-Kids CASA's
Advo-kids CASA seeks volunteers, dona-
mission is to provide screened, trained and
tions and advocates for the program. It is a
supervised community volunteers to advo-
dynamic, ever-changing task to represent
cate for the best interests of abused and
the needs of children in the Griffin Court. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
13
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED) Rebecca F. Griffin, Chair of the Board of Directors comments, “As is the case with most organizations affected by the COVID19 pandemic, Advo-Kids has also been challenged to continue operations in new and creative ways. From Zoom Board meetings and staff working from home to the CASA
“ TO GIVE A CHILD A CASA VOLUNTEER IS TO GIVE THEM A VOICE. TO GIVE THEM A VOICE IS TO GIVE THEM HOPE, AND TO GIVE THEM HOPE IS TO GIVE THE WORLD.” - FORMER FOSTER CHILD
volunteers themselves virtually checking in with the children and masking up when appropriate, we have all made adjustments in order to continue serving the children in the Griffin Judicial Circuit”.
DFCS staff, CASA team members and Juvenile Court Judges, Ben Miller and Scott Ballard after a successful adoption
If you are interested in serving the most vulnerable children, investigate becoming a CASA. This type of service requires one to step outside of their comfort zone and serve those most in need. When we pause to consider the situations these children are living through, it is a small sacrifice. And, it’s “for the child”. You can change a child’s story and guide them toward a positive, uplifting path to adulthood. To donate, volunteer or for more information,
contact
Advo-Kids
CASA
at
www.advo-kidscasa.org
We keep your facilities running. Commercial & Governmental Facilities Support Supply Chain Management Engineering Services Information Services
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SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS ISO 9001:2015
Pictured Left to Right:
Jerry Ginn, Vice Chairman James P. Ginn, Chairman Darion Morgan, Chief Financial Officer
14
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
M MOVEMENT
CHIROPRACTIC Family & Pediactric Care / Corrective Chiropractic Scoliosis Treatment / Massage Therapy
Your health matters more than anything. Be safe / Be healthy / Be well-adjusted Did you know that you have 31 pairs of spinal nerves that are essential for the proper function of your body? If any spinal nerve is trapped or injured, the areas of the body supplied by that nerve will not perform as they should
Chiropractic adjustments can free nerves from misalignments of the spine and lead to restored function!
Bryan Hammer
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info@movementchiroptc.com 424 Crosstown Drive, Peachtree City, GA
BV CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
15
LOCALS ONLY
Photo Credit: Christine Hamrick Lake Horton
The Must See Sunset ENJOY A LOCALLY CRAFTED PICNIC BY ONE OF THE BEST SUNSET SPOTS IN FAYETTE COUNTY.
ARTICLE JACKIE BOEHEIM | PHOTOGRAPHY DEBBIE MCFARLAND 16
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
Battery Way Park
Battery Way Park
Rolls & Bowls from She Craft
WATCH THE SUNSET
TAKE A PICNIC
has you covered. Sammies & Salad include
These warm summer nights are perfect
Don’t go hungry while sunset-watch-
a hot Korean Philly, bulgogi & brie quesa-
for catching a stunning sunset. We live amid
ing. You can fix that dilemma by picking up
dilla, crispy Brussels sprouts, a power green
suburbia, surrounded by homes, shopping
a dinner picnic from She Craft Co in Tyrone.
salad and dusted wonton chips.
centers, traffic and people out and about. It
Fayette County natives and She Craft Co
Boost your mood with this delicious meal
may be an unusual thought to sit back and
owners, Adam and Lexy She, are serving up
and an exceptional sunset view. It's a sum-
watch the sunset. Do our busy days allow us
Asian American eats & treats. Lexy is pas-
mertime must that you won't want to skip.
to relax at dusk? Can we cancel out the noise
sionate about good food and what it means to
and relish the peace, beauty and ease of a
our days. “Love is most essential and without
sunset? I’m here to tell you that you, without
it, food is just food so our goal is to put a little
a doubt, can. Quite honestly, we live in a town
#shemadewithlove in every bite," Lexy says.
filled with gorgeous sunset-watching spots.
All fillings, sauces and cookies are made
BATTERY WAY PARK 110 Battery Way, Peachtree City, GA 30269 SHE CRAFT CO
One of our favorites is Battery Way Park
by hand and are the perfect companion
on Lake Peachtree. It's a tranquil spot along
to any sunset. Their picnic-style meals are
the lake, with plenty to explore. This park is
easy to order, a breeze to pick up and filled
WANT TO SUNSET HOP? ADD THESE
accessible by car and golf cart. While there,
with flavor. Grab a Rolls & Bowls meal fit
LOCATIONS TO YOUR LIST!
you can fish, walk the golf cart paths and
with specialty rice bowls, shrimp n’ grits &
Planterra Ridge Golf Club
enjoy the playground all before settling in for
pimento bacon spring rolls, mini cookies and
Lake McIntosh Park
the show. Grab a blanket and find the per-
wonton chips. If sandwiches and salads are
Lake Horton Park
fect waterside spot.
more your speed, no biggie, She Craft Co
929 Senoia Rd, Tyrone, GA 30290
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
17
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
Emily Stanek and Katherine Shriner analyze wood preservation data.
TWO FRIENDS EMBRACE SCIENCE AND CONSIDER THEIR FUTURE BRIGHT
BRANCHING OUT WITH STEM ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN WALWORTH
ONCE AN AREA DOMINATED BY BOYS, MORE GIRLS
stained the wood, it still cracked. Since Katherine’s father
ARE GETTING INVOLVED IN STEM. For Starr’s Mill High
and Emily’s grandfather are both woodworkers, the girls set
School rising sophomores Emily Stanek and Katherine
out to discover which coatings would best preserve and
Shriner, it’s an interest almost as old as their friendship,
protect their projects. They cut and numbered pine blocks,
which began in third grade.
coated them with a variety of sealants, and using a wood
STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering
moisture meter analyzed how the sealants affected wood
and Math, helps prepare students for careers that meet
moisture. The project took several months, and to their sur-
the needs of today’s complex, global economy. Katherine
prise, one of the blocks coated with stain fared worse than
loved logic puzzles as an enrichment student, and her first
an untreated block. The winner among the tested coatings
STEM project in elementary school was a 3M challenge
was clear, semi-gloss Minwax Polyurethane.
in which she worked with a partner to develop an idea for
Their project was among the first-place winners in this
a computer program to monitor screen time and age-ap-
year’s Fayette County Science Fair and a third-place win-
propriate content. Emily focused on STEM projects during
ner in the Griffin RESA Science Fair.
summer camps and in 7th grade worked on a model future city for the elderly project.
18
The friends believe the logic, method and patience required in their STEM experience will benefit their future
When it was time for the friends to partner on their first
careers. Katherine is leaning toward a career in criminal
science fair project, the choice was easy. Katherine’s father
justice, and Emily would like to pursue a robotics engi-
had rebuilt a deck a few years ago and even though he
neering major at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
Beautiful Furniture that Brings Outdoor Luxury to Life. FURNITURE
|
FIRE MEDIA
100 Kathi Avenue, Fayetteville
|
UMBRELLAS
770.719.1802
|
ACCESSORIES
atlantahomepatio.com
Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
19
RENOVATE & REFINE
ROOM DESIGNS FOR KIDS HELP KIDS FLOURISH BY GIVING THEM A SPACE WHERE THEY CAN LEARN AND GROW
ARTICLE JACKIE BOEHEIM PHOTOGRAPHY DEBBIE MCFARLAND THE TALENTED AND CREATIVE OWNER OF PALMER KAY DESIGNS, ANGIE PALMER, HAS CREATED SOME CHIC SPACES FOR KIDS. By pulling design elements that speak to their personalities, Palmer can create functional and relaxing rooms for little ones to find comfort. “Whether kids have their own room, or if they share with a sibling, they need a respite at the end of the day, just like their parents do.” THE LITTLE ATHLETE Walking into this room is like walking into a sports arena. You can all but hear the fans bursting out into cheers. By taking in the design elements, you get a robust idea of what this little boy, Jake, loves. Palmer had a thorough approach to planning the designs for this room, by having two separate conversations, one with dad and one directly with Jake. “His dad really wanted him to have the feeling of being in the middle of a stadium, looking up at the crowds from his bed.” As for Jake, he wanted to feel like one of the big boys by having a TV, nightstand and lamp. 20
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
The Little Athlete
Jake is gifted in both baseball and football and his dad wanted to represent that in his room. Palmer says “The dream of giving Jake this type of room was all his Dad’s, which I thought was very sweet.” Different sports decorate his bedding and plush sports balls add comfort. Choosing an easy to wash quilt for children allows for quick cleanup, something that is paramount in the bedroom. The bench seating by the window offers a great deal of versatility and even more space for Jake to flourish. Finding enjoyment in creating this space for Jake was easy. Palmer has taken the dreams of dad and son and turned them into an oasis. “It’s a safety and comfort zone where they can relax with their thoughts, just be themselves, listen to music, do their homework and get a good night’s sleep.” The Little Athlete
Want to recreate this room? Find similar items here:
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
21
RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED) The Little Athlete Bedding, Rugs, and Pillows: Pottery Barn Sports Themed Figures: HomeGoods – spray-painted to a complimentary room color Fan: Lowes Baskets and Jars for Storage: Container Store TEEN DREAM From a little girl to sweet teen, the shift in maturity this room made is primo. Palmer’s colleague, Milwaukee based Suzan Wemlinger, transformed this space to match the needs of 14-year-old, Ellie. By replacing the bold purple with a softer tone, Wemlinger was able to increase the maturity of this bedroom, a space that will last through the college years. “She started with a soft color and took it up onto the ceiling for a sense of unity, and then layered in soft linen fabrics in muted tones that make the room feel delicate and relaxed,” Palmer states. Small details like the magazine rack and elements on the bookshelf make this an intimate space for Ellie. “The window treatments and seat cushion were custom created for the space, and the window treatment holdbacks were repurposed and painted for use again in the new design,” Palmer explains. What makes this space so comfortable for Ellie? “Nice lighting, a place to curl up and relax, a few pillows, and maybe a blanket or throw with some favorite things sprinkled in for good measure like books or a game,” Palmer shares. Want to recreate this room? Find similar items here: Teen Dream Bedding and Pillows: Pottery Barn or West Elm Art/Accessories: HomeGoods Annie Sloan Chalk Paint/No Sanding: Circa Antiques NEED HELP DESIGNING YOUR CHILD’S SPACE? Angela Palmer resides in Peachtree City and has been designing for 14 years. “I love kids and love working with them on the design because they are so honest and unfiltered with their responses, like pulling me to the side and saying that I can keep all the furniture if I will just talk their Dad into the TV. Or, asking me if all of the art has to be squares and rectangles, because… why don’t they make circular art? It’s just so much fun!” Website: www.palmerkay.decoratingden.com Phone Number: 678-619-4705 Email Address: angie@palmerkaydesign.com
22
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
Sweet Teen: Dreamy Bookcase
A good neighbor has your back. Ky Dickerson, Agent 240 Commerce Drive Peachtree City, GA 30269 Bus: 770-632-8882 Fax: 770-716-0204 www.kydickerson.com
1606040
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Angela Palmer Interior Designer
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361 Highway 74N, Peachtree City (678) 489-3814 CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
23
ANIMAL KINGDOM
The Sweet L i f e o f Pe t s
@ THE ROSS FAMILY HOMESTEAD ARTICLE ANNIE SINGH-QUERN | PHOTOGRAPHY DEBBIE MCFARLAND
24
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
The Ross family
THERE IS NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN THE HOME OF
Coco loves kisses, Scabbers sleeps a lot and Captain
KIMBERLY AND CHRISTOPHER ROSS. Six years ago,
Squeakers escapes from his cage to play hide-and-seek
the couple moved to Georgia with two young children,
with the children.
one cat, one dog and six egg-laying hens. Since then, the family of five has blossomed with five dozen pets on
VALKO
a five-acre micro-farm just a few miles from downtown
High on the animal food chain is 80 pound Valko (V),
Fayetteville. As you can imagine, no two days are alike
the protector of the homestead animals. This dark-maned
on the homestead but any one day is guaranteed to be a
Karakachan dog patrols the grounds during the day with
memorable one in the life of, er, interesting pets.
his senses sharpened for unwanted visitors. Coyotes, raccoons and even hawks dare not venture in his path. At
PUMBAA (3) AND BELLE (6) Just across from the main home lies a fenced-in area
night, V sleeps close to the goats, to ensure they remain safe from nocturnal predators. Occasionally though, V
where the egg-laying chickens and guineas cohabitate with their potbelly friends, Pumbaa and Belle. Apart from their frequent squeals and grunts, these pet pigs contribute greatly to daily life on the farm. They would occasionally wander into the nearby fields to pluck long weeds and fresh hay with their snouts to make cushy and comfy beds (that
A Nigerian D war f d am (female go a t mama) can p ro d uce up to t wo q uar t s o f milk a d ay.
they dare not share). However, Pumbaa and Belle gladly welcome plenty of belly rubs from their owners and squeal
would relax on a bench on the front porch with the lady
“yes!” to a nice big salad from the homestead garden.
of the house or cool off in the big pond with the children.
CAPTAIN SQUEAKERS, COCOA AND SCABBERS
COOKIE, BUDDY, OAKY AND STEWIE
Captain Squeakers, Cocoa and Scabbers, 6-month-old
Cookie (1) is a first-time momma goat with her three
rats, make wonderful indoor pets for the children, Taylor
new kids Yoshi, Timmy Templeton and Bailey. Though
(11), Raegan (7), and Hunter (4). Apart from being smart
her name may indicate a sweet demeanor, she’s quite
and sociable, each rat has his own special personality.
saucy in her personality. “She’ll head-butt anyone around
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
25
ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED) Cookie with her new kids Yoshi, Timmy Templeton and Bailey
Kimberly scratches Pumbaa's belly with Belle and Stewie by her side
Valko cools off in the pond
her,” joked Kimberly. Fresh milk from Cookie goes into the making of ice cream, cheese and other delicious eats for the Ross family. Buddy (1) and Oaky (1), both wethers (neutered males), are Cookie’s cool “herd” companions. Stewie (3 months) spends his days with his three four-footed friends. He is a Zebu, a miniature which is a miniature breed of cow that grows to be no more than one third the size of a regular cow. Though pint-sized, Stewie does a wonderful job keeping the homestead well-manicured by chomping up the grass on the grounds. On the homestead, the day begins just after dawn and finishes just before the sun goes down. Like their human counterparts, the animals start off with a yummy breakfast, fed generously by Kimberly around 7 am. All three children follow a schedule for chores inside and outside the house. In the evenings, Taylor tends to the pigs and Stewie. Raegan takes care of the smaller animals. Even Hunter is old enough to feed the indoor animals. During the day and early evening, Kimberly and Chris tackle the tasks of keeping up the homestead. Sometimes it entails repairing a fence or mucking (cleaning out) the
26
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
chicken coops. “Everyone kind of just knows what they need to do and if one of us needs help, we just ask for the others to join in,” said Kimberly. The homestead is really an all day playground for the Ross family. The one-acre pond a few feet away from the main home is a special spot for swimming and fishing. Just
FINE FURNISHINGS
to come home to
beyond the walking path to the pond, the kids’ clubhouse sits among trees. At the back of the main house, a small greenhouse is used to store seeds for later planting. Earlier this spring, Christopher built a treehouse that overlooks the homestead garden. From unique and odd-sized containers sprout an eclectic rainbow of organic vegetables and herbs. The Ross family is already planning excitedly for their next pets - honeybees. Kimberly is learning all she can about beekeeping and pollinator gardens. If you wish to live a much simpler life, consider micro-farming. The key is to start small and slow. Pick one thing, learn about it, integrate it and then expand it over time. In addition to gardening and raising interesting pets, you’ll also learn the values of collaborating, problem-solving, hard work,
Looking for that one-of-a-kind find? Get a jump start on your decor with new looks coming in for the fall and holiday seasons! We are making room with plenty of items on sale... indoors and out!
perseverance, love and kindness. Tours are now available at the Ross Homestead. To learn more, please send a message to The Ross Homestead on Facebook. Hunter holds a freedom ranger chick
logo 1:
HOME
INSIDE & OUT
Store Hours: Tues - Sat 10:00 - 5:30 Monday by Appointment Only 2008 HWY 54 W, PEACHTREE CITY
(770) 486-9552 | CAMPANILESHOME.COM CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
27
CULINARY CREATIONS A ROUX-BASED GRAVY MADE WITH TOMATOES AND TRADITIONALLY SERVED OVER BISCUITS OR GRITS FOR BREAKFAST.
southern homestyle tomato grav y
ARTICLE CHEF PAULI AND PAM REID PHOTOGRAPHY DEBBIE MCFARLAND
28
Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
Tomato gravy is a must-add to your recipe box!
SOUTHERN TOMATO
GRAVY
TRUE SOUTHERN TOMATO GRAVY IS AN OLD-TIME FAVORITE THAT RELIES ON LITTLE MORE THAN LEFTOVER PAN DRIPPINGS, A TOUCH OF FLOUR AND TOMATOES. At first glance, it is easy to mistake this incredibly flavorful topping for pasta sauce however, it is anything but. Better suited for your favorite homemade biscuits, cornbread or cheese grits, tomato gravy can make its way to the table quickly without a lot of fuss. Go “old school” and create this satiny and luxurious accompaniment that also goes well with steaks, chops, vegetables, you name it!
INGREDIENTS + 2 - 28 oz. cans whole plum tomatoes, with juice + 1/4 cup bacon fat (or butter) + 1/4 cup flour + 2 Tablespoons onion, fresh minced + 2 Tablespoons yellow or red bell pepper, minced + 1 Tablespoon brown sugar + 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt + 1/2 teaspoon black pepper + 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, or to taste + 1/2 cup water or milk
DIRECTIONS Dump tomatoes in a bowl and smash with a fork or just squish between your clean fingers. (My personal choice!) In a large skillet, heat the bacon fat (or butter, but bacon fat gives it an extra dimension of flavor!) over medium heat; stir in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly until roux reaches a light beige color and smells slightly nutty. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 2 - 3 minutes, continuously stirring. Add tomatoes with their liquid, sugar and seasonings. Simmer for 5 - 10 minutes, adding additional water or milk, only if needed, to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve over hot biscuits, cheesy grits, meatloaf, fish, whatever! Cook’s Note: You could use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole but I believe the whole tomatoes provide much more flavor! This recipe serves approximately 4 hungry people and takes 20 minutes of total preparation using your stovetop. CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
29
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE FOOTBALL
COACHES
ENGAGE
IN
STRATEGIC
PLANNING. In the wake of our country's health pandemic, how to prepare students for the upcoming high school football season comes into play. Coach Bryan Holley has not
Game Day Shift
experienced anything like this in his 31 years of teaching and coaching football. While football season consists of only ten regular-season games, preparation for the season is a year-round commitment. High school boys would typically crowd the weight room in January to build up the muscle strength necessary to avoid injury on the field. This year, due to health safety protocols, only small groups of students could be in the gym at a time with
PANDEMIC CREATES NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS TO PLAY THE GAME
Photo: Adam Hagy
ARTICLE PAM REID PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
“FOOTBALL IS THE REWARD THAT YOU GET
Agility Step Drill - FCHS football practice
FOR PUTTING IN ALL THAT HARD WORK FROM JANUARY TO AUGUST.�
wiping and sanitizing equipment between sets as part of the regimen.
movements they were doing in the weight room to the football field.
Fortunately, springtime brings running and endurance activities outdoors.
When the fall season approaches, students begin building skills and
Each practice day temperatures are taken with a forehead ther-
fine-tuning the skillsets they will need to play their specific position
mometer and the checklist of health-related questions is the same
on the field. Practice games play a big part in enhancing those skills
- everything from whether the student has traveled to a "hot spot"
but scrimmages have not yet been allowed.
to whether or not their ability to taste or smell has been impacted.
The focus on having a winning season has not been impacted.
Despite the degree of concern, Coach Holley has not seen a decrease
The students are working as hard as ever. Coach Holley tells stu-
in the number of students willing and excited to play the game.
dents, "Football is the reward you get for putting in all that hard work
Spring spirals into summer. The students have built both strength
from January to August. Now you get to play the game."
and stamina and now it is time for them to begin transitioning the CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty
31
LOCALLY OWNED
Catfish Haulers Food Truck BRINGING DEEP FRIED GOODNESS TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
ARTICLE JACKIE BOEHEIM PHOTOGRAPHY DEBBIE MCFARLAND
ROBERT
AND STEPHANI
WISE
ARE
CONTINU-
ING THE LEGACY OF HIS FATHER AL'S CATFISH HOLLOW
RESTAURANT
WITH
THE
CATFISH
HAULER FOOD TRUCK. The memorable and well-loved Newnan restaurant was shuttered after Al's death almost ten years ago. To honor his dad, Robert chose a name that echoed the restaurant, but with a whole new concept. Robert sought to carry out his father’s vision by blending the past with the present. He took many learnings and cooking styles from his father’s restaurant and rolled them into a food truck, naming it, Catfish Hauler. “We thought it would be a fun business opportunity to start a food truck that served awesome seafood,” Stephani says. “Folks around here have been missing Catfish Hollow like crazy!” Now, with the food truck, they are able to take the memories of Catfish Hollow on the road. Featured on the menu are southern treats like chicken & waffles, fried Mississippi catfish, fried gulf shrimp, hushpuppies, and more. And, you don’t want to miss out on their cheese curds, one of Stephani’s favorite items. Robert and Stephani take their food truck all over. They’ve been seen at markets, festivals, private events, and even neighborhoods. Standing out against the many food trucks at these events is a constant challenge, but one they welcome gleefully. Stephani is proud of the business they have created. They offer quality food and customize menus for private events. The care they put into their food is evident, and their catfish and shrimp recipes are continuously praised.
Robert and Stephani Wise
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Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
Catfish Strips
“FOOD MAKES PEOPLE HAPPY, AND WE GET TO DO THAT EVERY TIME. THE SMILES AND ESPECIALLY THE APPRECIATION FOR GREAT FOOD IS WHAT KEEPS US GOING.” Low Country Boil
Follow Catfish Hauler at @CatfishHaulerFoodTruck on Facebook to see where they will be next! Or you can call them at 678-254-0227.
CityLifestyle.com/FayetteCounty 33
PARTING THOUGHTS
MEET JESSE LOCAL DOG PREFERS CRUISIN’ TO WALKIN’
FAVORITE TREAT: STARBUCKS PUPPUCCINO
ARTICLE SUSAN WALWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY DEBBIE MCFARLAND
FROM THE BACKROADS OF FAYETTE COUNTY TO PEACHTREE CITY’S INFAMOUS
INTERSECTION,
“THE
BOX,”
JESSE THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER ALWAYS BRINGS A DOUBLE-TAKE AND A SMILE TO HIS FELLOW MOTORISTS. That’s right. Walkin’ on all-fours makes some tails wag, but cruisin’ on three wheels is how Jesse rolls. His best bud, Garry Heget, chauffeurs him in an electric blue Polaris Slingshot—a cool ride resembling a cross between the Batmobile and a motorcycle. Garry adopted the eight-year-old, 120-pound, Jesse about a year ago after the death of his beloved golden Max, who also loved riding the Slingshot. Jesse was ready to co-pilot the first time Garry strapped the necessary goggles on him. “He just went for it,” Garry said. “He loved it.” Garry, co-owner of American Eagle Construction in Peachtree City, leaves Jesse at home while he works. But when he gets home, Jesse is waiting by the garage door, eager to get on the road again, and pouting if for some reason he can’t. “He’s my baby,” Garry said. “His favorite thing to do is go for a ride.”
FAVORITE TOY: STUFFED MOOSE
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Fayette County Lifestyle | August 2020
DON’T LET YOUR SINUSES
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